Springboks to open 2026 against England at Ellis Park as home Tests confirmed

SA Rugby confirmed the venues for the Boks' first three Tests of the season on Friday, joining the previously announced venues for the three Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tests against New Zealand later in the season.

The opening Nations Championship clash against England takes place on Saturday, 4 July, followed by matches against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 11 July, and Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on 18 July.

The Nations Championship brings these long-time rivals back to South Africa for the first time in several years. England last toured in 2018, Scotland in 2014, while Wales were most recently in the country in 2022.

"We're excited to announce the three venues for our home games in the Nations Championship, with the Springboks' full roster of home Tests for 2026 now locked in after the stadiums for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry against New Zealand were confirmed a while ago," said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer.

"England are on a good winning run and will arrive in South Africa confident, facing the Boks at Ellis Park where the last Test between the sides, in 2018, went down to the wire.

"Amazingly enough, Scotland have never played the Boks at Loftus Versfeld, although they played two Rugby World Cup matches at the stadium in 1995.

"Wales' last visit to Durban was in 2014 and we are looking forward to closing out our July roster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, and with every match counting towards the standings, no team can afford to rest on their laurels."

During the November window of the Nations Championship, the Springboks will play the remaining Six Nations teams in Europe, facing Italy on the weekend of 6-8 November, France on 13-15 November, and Ireland on 21 November.

The tournament will conclude with Finals Weekend from 27-29 November 2026 at Allianz Stadium in London, featuring three days of double-header matches for a dramatic finish.

Ticketing information and kick-off times for the home Tests will be announced in due course.

Nations Championship

4 July: Boks v England - Ellis Park, Johannesburg

11 July: Boks v Scotland - Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

18 July: Boks v Wales - Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry

22 August: Boks v New Zealand (First Test) - Ellis Park, Johannesburg

29 August: Boks v New Zealand (Second Test) - DHL Stadium, Cape Town

5 September: Boks v New Zealand (Third Test) - FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

READ MORE: Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus extends SA Rugby contract until 2031